Michigan university campus with Great Lakes backdrop and modern cybersecurity lab
Updated December 2025

Best Cybersecurity Programs in Michigan 2025

Ranking 15+ accredited cybersecurity programs across Michigan universities. University of Michigan and Michigan State lead with NSA designations and direct pathways to Detroit automotive and healthcare security roles.

Programs Ranked12
NSA Designated3
Median Salary$99,750
Job Growth+35%

Top 3 Cybersecurity Programs in Michigan 2025

🥇 #1

University of Michigan-Dearborn

Dearborn, MIPublic

12 Cybersecurity graduates annually, 94% graduation rate

$15K
Tuition/yr
94%
Grad Rate
57.4
Score
🥈 #2

Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilanti, MIPublic

57 Cybersecurity graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$15K
Tuition/yr
56.4
Score
🥉 #3

Michigan Technological University

Houghton, MIPublic

24 Cybersecurity graduates annually, 90% graduation rate

$19K
Tuition/yr
90%
Grad Rate
55.8
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.Michigan has 15+ cybersecurity bachelor's programs with 3 NSA CAE-designated institutions including University of Michigan
  • 2.University of Michigan ranks #1 in Michigan with 93% graduation rate and top automotive cybersecurity placements
  • 3.Michigan cybersecurity professionals earn median $99,750 annually—7% above national median (BLS Michigan 2024)
  • 4.Detroit automotive industry and Grand Rapids healthcare sector drive high demand for cybersecurity specialists
  • 5.In-state tuition at Michigan public universities averages $15,200—significantly below national average

Cybersecurity Education in Michigan

Michigan offers excellent cybersecurity education opportunities across its public university system, with several programs earning NSA Center of Academic Excellence designations. The state's strong automotive and healthcare industries create substantial demand for cybersecurity professionals, particularly in industrial control systems and healthcare data protection.

For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national cybersecurity bachelor's rankings. Students considering cost should review our most affordable cybersecurity programs guide. Career-focused students should examine our cybersecurity analyst salary guide for Michigan-specific compensation data.

Michigan's cybersecurity programs benefit from proximity to major automotive manufacturers like Ford, GM, and Stellantis, who increasingly need cybersecurity expertise for connected vehicle systems. The state also hosts significant healthcare systems and financial services that drive cybersecurity employment.

Michigan Cybersecurity Program Rankings 2025

Rank
1University of Michigan-DearbornDearborn, MIPublic$14,54494%57.4
2Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti, MIPublic$15,20056.4
3Michigan Technological UniversityHoughton, MIPublic$19,42990%55.8
4Davenport UniversityGrand Rapids, MIPrivate$22,27250
5Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids, MIPublic$14,14049.2
6Northwood UniversityMidland, MIPrivate$31,40082%48
7Siena Heights UniversityAdrian, MIPrivate$28,50096%47.9
8Baker CollegeOwosso, MIPrivate$12,46047.4
9Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale, MIPublic$14,97885%45.9
10University of Detroit MercyDetroit, MIPrivate$32,30042.3
11Western Michigan UniversityKalamazoo, MIPublic$15,19832.7

Top 5 Cybersecurity Programs in Michigan: Side-by-Side

SchoolMichigan StateEastern MichiganU of Michigan-DearbornMichigan TechnologicalDavenport
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
In-State Tuition
$16,930
$15,200
$14,544
$19,429
$22,272
Graduation Rate
87%
N/A%
94%
90%
N/A%
Annual Graduates
38
57
12
24
54
Acceptance Rate
84%
81%
59%
88%
97%
Type
Public
Public
Public
Public
Private
Score
60.2/100
59.2/100
57.4/100
55.8/100
55.1/100

Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Cybersecurity in Michigan

Michigan offers 13 bachelor's-level cybersecurity programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Michigan State University, Eastern Michigan University, University of Michigan-Dearborn. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $69,881 in the Michigan market.

A bachelor's in cybersecurity typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs guide.

Top 3 Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs in Michigan

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 Michigan State
$16,930
87%
38
60.2
#2 Eastern Michigan
$15,200
N/A%
57
59.2
#3 U of Michigan-Dearborn
$14,544
94%
12
57.4

Top Cybersecurity Schools for Master's Degrees in Michigan

For graduate study, Michigan offers 8 master's-level cybersecurity programs. Leading institutions include University of Michigan-Dearborn, Grand Valley State University, Michigan Technological University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Michigan reaching $129,779 or more.

Top 3 Cybersecurity Master's Programs in Michigan

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 U of Michigan-Dearborn
$14,544
94%
11
56.9
#2 Grand Valley State
$14,978
85%
8
45.9
#3 Michigan Technological
$19,429
90%
4
45.6

Most Affordable Cybersecurity Colleges in Michigan

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable cybersecurity programs in Michigan are at Baker College ($12,460/year), Northern Michigan University ($12,726/year), Ferris State University ($14,140/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Michigan's competitive tech salaries.

At Baker College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $49,840 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $69,881, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 1.4 years.

Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs in Michigan (with ROI)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#1 Baker College
$12,460
$49,840
1.4 years
Private
#2 Northern Michigan
$12,726
$50,904
1.5 years
Public
#3 Ferris State
$14,140
$56,560
1.6 years
Public
#1

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MIPublic

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • Annual Tuition: $16,930 (in-state)
  • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
  • Cybersecurity Graduates: 38 annually
  • Acceptance Rate: 84%
  • Ranking Score: 60.2 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 87% graduation rate
  • 38 cybersecurity graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 60.2 / 100

Why Ranked #1

Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (38 graduates), state salary outcomes ($99,830), and selectivity (84% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#2

Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilanti, MIPublic

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • Annual Tuition: $15,200 (in-state)
  • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • Cybersecurity Graduates: 57 annually
  • Acceptance Rate: 81%
  • Ranking Score: 59.2 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 57 cybersecurity graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 59.2 / 100

Why Ranked #2

Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (57 graduates), state salary outcomes ($99,830), and selectivity (81% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#3

University of Michigan-Dearborn

Dearborn, MIPublic

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • Annual Tuition: $14,544 (in-state)
  • Graduation Rate: 94% (IPEDS 2023)
  • Cybersecurity Graduates: 12 annually
  • Acceptance Rate: 59%
  • Ranking Score: 57.4 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 94% graduation rate
  • 12 cybersecurity graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 57.4 / 100

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (94%), program size (12 graduates), state salary outcomes ($99,830), and selectivity (59% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#42 Designations

Michigan Technological University

Houghton, MIPublic

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • Annual Tuition: $19,429 (in-state)
  • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
  • Cybersecurity Graduates: 24 annually
  • Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • Ranking Score: 55.8 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 90% graduation rate
  • 24 cybersecurity graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 55.8 / 100

Why Ranked #4

Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (24 graduates), state salary outcomes ($99,830), and selectivity (88% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

Michigan Tech offers the only graduate cybersecurity program of its kind in Michigan with dual NSA designations for excellence in both cyber defense and cyber research. The program combines cross-disciplinary expertise from computer science, electrical engineering, and applied computing with research funding from top agencies and industry leaders.

Program Accreditations & Designations
National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE–CD)
National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research (CAE-R)
Program Details
  • Credits: 30 credits (MS program)
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Trusted Software Engineering (TSE)Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP)Network Security Management (NSM)Software SecuritySystem and Network Security
#51 Designation

Davenport University

Grand Rapids, MIPrivate

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • Annual Tuition: $22,272 (in-state)
  • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • Cybersecurity Graduates: 54 annually
  • Acceptance Rate: 97%
  • Ranking Score: 55.1 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 54 cybersecurity graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 55.1 / 100

Why Ranked #5

Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (54 graduates), state salary outcomes ($99,830), and selectivity (97% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

Davenport's cybersecurity program offers hands-on learning with state-of-the-art software, integrates business and management approaches into the curriculum, and is recognized as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency. Students learn from industry experts and graduate with practical experience that prepares them to be productive from their first day of employment.

Program Accreditations & Designations
NSA CAE-CD
Available Scholarships
$scholarship that supports women in STEM
Admissions
  • Transfer Friendly
Career Outcomes
  • Starting Salary: $85,941 – $139,643
  • Top Employers: Deloitte Consulting, IBM, CCI Systems
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Cyber DefenseCybersecurity ManagementInformation Assurance-Cybersecurity
$65,000
Starting Salary
$99,750
Mid-Career
+35%
Job Growth
2,800
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+35%

Monitor security systems and investigate incidents for automotive manufacturers, healthcare systems, and financial services

Median Salary:$99,750

Information Security Manager

+28%

Lead cybersecurity teams and develop security strategies for large Michigan employers

Median Salary:$142,000

Automotive Cybersecurity Specialist

+45%

Secure connected vehicle systems and autonomous driving technologies for Ford, GM, and Stellantis

Median Salary:$115,000

Healthcare Security Specialist

+40%

Protect patient data and medical systems for Michigan's major healthcare networks

Median Salary:$92,000

Penetration Tester

+32%

Conduct security assessments for manufacturing and technology companies

Median Salary:$108,000

Security Consultant

+38%

Provide cybersecurity expertise to businesses across Michigan's diverse economy

Median Salary:$125,000

Michigan University Systems and Cybersecurity Education

Michigan's public university system provides excellent cybersecurity education access across the state. The flagship University of Michigan in Ann Arbor leads with research excellence and industry connections, while Michigan State University offers comprehensive cybersecurity training with NSA designation.

Regional universities like Oakland University, Western Michigan University, and Wayne State University provide quality cybersecurity education with strong local industry ties. These programs often focus on practical skills and have excellent placement rates in Michigan's automotive and healthcare sectors.

Michigan's cybersecurity programs benefit from the state's unique industry mix. The automotive sector's shift toward connected vehicles creates demand for specialists in vehicle cybersecurity and industrial control systems. Healthcare systems like Henry Ford Health and Spectrum Health provide opportunities in healthcare cybersecurity.

Other Tech Degree Programs in Michigan

Cybersecurity Programs in Other States

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Michigan if you want
  • Affordable, high-quality public university education
  • Career opportunities in automotive cybersecurity
  • Access to NSA-designated programs at reasonable cost
  • Strong job market without relocating to expensive coastal cities
  • Hands-on programs with industry partnerships
  • Research opportunities at major universities
Consider other states if you prefer
  • Silicon Valley tech companies and startups
  • Financial services cybersecurity in NYC
  • Federal cybersecurity roles in DC area
  • Warmer climate year-round
  • Larger technology ecosystems
  • More venture capital and startup opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Cybersecurity Programs

Ranking Methodology

Based on 12 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Cybersecurity degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources

Graduation Rate25%

6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)

Selectivity20%

Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)

Career Outcomes20%

State-specific cybersecurity salaries from BLS OES 2024

Related Cybersecurity Resources

Data Sources and Methodology

Graduation rates, enrollment data, and tuition costs from IPEDS 2023 final release

Michigan-specific salary data for cybersecurity occupations, May 2024

List of CAE-designated cybersecurity programs updated 2024

Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity

State employment projections and cybersecurity job market data

35% job growth projected through 2032—well above national average of 32%
Michigan Cybersecurity Market Growth

Source: BLS Employment Projections Michigan 2024

Taylor Rupe

Taylor Rupe

Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)

Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.